“Ironically, we were just talking about the history of KDKA, being the world’s first radio station,” he says. “And Goose was a large part of that, 25 years. He transitioned through a number of changes in the business. And when I took over for John Cigna, he was the sports guy.”

But his talents weren’t limited to studio microphone. Goose made a name for himself outside the newsroom, as well.

He frequently sang the National Anthem before Penguins games. He also knew the Canadian anthem — in French.

In the early days, Richert says, “He did the morning and the afternoon. He had a split-shift in sports, which is incredible when you think about it now.”

Radio news director P. J. Kumanchik says the man he met 24 years ago was a pioneer of the industry.

“He was kind of a forerunner of what they do today,” he said. “He’d provide you your information, he was also an entertainer. And so you know he had to saddle up against Fred Honsberger, John Cigna during the K-Team. Dave James, those guys. So he had to hold his own. And he did such a phenomenal job about that.”

Richert sums it up.

“He contributed a lot to the Pittsburgh sports scene, and boy, we miss him,” he said.

More Tributes

Current KDKA Sports Director Jeff Hathhorn talked with Larry Richert and John Shumway about Goose’s passion about the battle of Gettysburg and his passion of the Penguins

KDKA Remembers Goose Goslin

KDKA’s Bill Rehkopf talked with former KDKA News anchor Bob Kmetz about the KDKA newsroom and the often boisterous battler within the room. Bob also discussed the first time he introduced Goose on the air. Barbara Boylan talked about the love-hate relationship between news and sports within the KDKA News Room

KDKA Remembers Goose Goslin

Former Morning News Anchor Bob Kopler talked about Goose’s professionalism regarding his craft and his alma mater. Bob compared Goose and his double cell-phoned hips to Wyatt Earp. Take a listen to some great stories.

KDKA Remembers Goose Goslin

The Penguins Tom McMillan talked with Bill about Goose singing specifically his singing of the national anthem at Penguins games. One of the funnier stories is the time Goose extended the National Anthem at a home Penguins Game.

KDKA Remembers Goose Goslin

Dave Crawley joined KDKA in April of 1988 where he reports on the interesting stories of “KD Country.”
Throughout his career, Dave has visited many towns and has enjoyed learning about community activities and interests. He has taped more than...